Apparatus, system, and method for automated real-time live video streaming for equestrian sports

ABSTRACT

A system and methods for generating automated real-time live video stream of a target that is moving around an obstacle of pre-defined area uses an automated video streaming provided with a plurality of video cameras that are positioned about the pre-defined area by tracking the moving target and displaying the moving target on the animated timeline such as current class leader will be automatically displayed and compared, in real time, with the rider on the track and integrating the data collected by the wireless network to make video stream from that camera to the optimized video stream.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/357,011 filed on Jun. 30, 2016, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a live video streaming for use in equestriansports or training sessions to generate a video of that event and allowto view video from different angles for statistics and analysis.

The utilization of recorded video pictures with the end goal ofassessing the execution of a horse and/or a rider is typical inequestrian sports. The most widely recognized technique foraccomplishing these video pictures is using a solitary camcorder. Thereis growing interest in the tracking of thoroughbred horses duringcompetitions and trainings in order to gather information on variousaspects of the race, course, trial or exercise.

During the course, it is difficult to predict or to explain thechallenges. One of them consist of two statistical groups, thepercentage of riders outside the authorized time and a visual indicationnumber of penalties by obstacle of an event or a dam. The number ofobstacles can be presented in two ways, i.e. graphically or in tabularform. Various methods have been employed to provide a solution to thesystem requirements outlined above. The majority are based on the GlobalPositioning System (GPS) or the use of radio frequency identification(RFID). Other statistics can be useful to explain the challenges such astrajectories, speeds, overall distance, take-off and landing distance,number of strides and timestamps.

Patent application WO 2011116421 A1 assigned to Hildebrandt Michaelrelates to tracking objects and determining their position and/orprogress and performance over time. Here they use emitting line-of-sightEM radiation from at least one beacon, each beacon located to provide ameans of reference for moving object.

Patent application US 2004/0104845 A1 assigned to McCarthy Robert Jdescribe about software which tracks the trainers riding horses usingsensors and the video processor can display the data relating to theobjects separately or together with the identity and the positional dataof the objects in real-time.

Existing prior art solutions are expense, multipathing, lack of accuracyand heavy on-course infrastructure. This present invention offers animprovement over traditional methods of real time video streaming ofequestrian sports.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention described herein to overcome oralleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks, disadvantages orproblems of related art systems or to at least provide a usefulalternative to related art systems.

A computer-based data processing method and system is disclosed thatemploys at least one video camera capable of providing automatedreal-time live video of a moving target. In an embodiment, a system andmethod for generating an optimized real time video stream of the targetthat is moving within a predefined area of obstacles using an automatedreal-time live system provided with a plurality of video cameras, eachproducing a video stream, that are positioned in the predefined area isdisclosed.

The preferred embodiment of the system also displays the timeline of therider on the track and automatically compares in real time with thecurrent class leader. When the rider begins the race route, riderposition will be displayed on the animated timeline and the collecteddata is analyzed and displayed in the timeline.

In a preferred embodiment, integrated transmitter sensors and/orreflectors are installed in the obstacle to track the rider and willdetect automatically intermediate timing on each obstacle. Then a timergets started when the race begins and image are collected from the videocameras and data are collected and analyzed and sent to the computer forstorage using a wireless network. Current race leader and rider andtheir statistical data can be displayed in a TV/video streaming, screenarena, superposition video or video overlay, internet or mobile or videodevices in real time. Calculation of statistical data and results can bedisplayed with 2D/3D animation on the big screen, TV, or any otherdisplay devices showing the various parameters.

This invention can collect automatically the type of penalties asreferred in the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) rules, andassigned to each riders and horses during the event. Then the data arestored in a database and can be used for gambling and prediction. It canalso automatically compare the statistics of two riders, the leader ofthe class and the current rider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a layout showing software components with screen display andcorresponding simulated video output in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an overview of hardware components in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of obstacles pathway being viewed usingmultiple cameras in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description of the invention makes reference tothe accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplaryembodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made tothe embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will beused throughout the drawings and the following description to refer tothe same and like parts.

According to FIG. 1 of the present invention is an automated real-timelive video streaming 100 for equestrian sports during a show jumpingcourse, trial or exercise. In particular, this invention is directed toreal-time live video streaming of horses using video cameras and placingsensors on all obstacles on the course. This invention relies on fixedcameras type “Manta” with lentils 123 that send the video stream to theoperator combined with a computer 110. The moving object or rider isdisplayed in the TV screen/arena or any video display device 130 and thedata collected during the course plan 124, from the timekeeper 132,timing from the obstacle sensor 122 is transmitted to the computer forstatistical analysis and displayed in the timeline. The statistical datacan be sent to TV production 136 and transmitted to live TV 146 anddisplayed in any internet devices or cloud devices 120 in real time. Thestatistical data can also be displayed on any website/smart phone ormobile devices 150 in an animated fashion. The timekeeper, graphic anddata inlay 134 can display and convert to a video live stream 140.Intergraded sensor can be used to obtain the signal from moving objectand sent to the video camera(s) located at points of convenience. Theaccuracy of the system is relayed on the number of cameras and the fieldand depth of view. Similarly, pixel resolution (accuracy) can beincreased by using more video cameras incorporating both side andhead-on views.

According to FIG. 2, there is provided a means 200 for reflector 210 andintegrated transmitter sensor 220 whereby objects such as horses andriders participants can be identified and tracked in real time and meansfor a TV/video streaming, screen arena, superposition video or videooverlay, internet by which the current race leader will be automaticallydisplayed on video stream and compared, in real time, with the rider onthe track. The video streaming of data for display devices can beimplemented using a wireless LAN 230 network system. As soon as therider begins the race route, the timer 240 starts recording the riderposition which will be displayed on the video stream in animated format.Statistical information on the positions of individual horses during thecourse can be identified. The current class leader will be monitored anddata regarding other rider are calculated and stored in a computersystem 250 for display.

In preference, the means for determining the position of a moving objectincluding both animate and inanimate objects adapted to be sensed by atleast one video camera. However, it is preferred that a plurality ofcameras be used such that the precise location of the object can bedetermined at any given time for video tracking.

It is further preferred that appropriate software be associated witheach camera such that its output can be used to determine real timepositional information for video streaming. Each object emits a sensorsignal from the integrated transmitter sensor and reflector installed inobstacle when crosses by horse, jockey or any other object, that it canbe identified by each camera. The precise type of signal used is notrestricted in embodiments of the invention and any appropriate means canbe used. For example, the measuring parameter can be distance betweenthe obstacles that could be detected by an appropriate camera.

According to FIG. 3 shows the most knocked obstacles 300 in which theautomated real-time live video is recorded. This system also includes adisplay device which comprises a hardware and/or software component, andenabling the automated live video streaming of data as well as forcontrolling the various features of the system using a wireless LANnetwork. Sensors are connected to timer and connected to the computervia wireless LAN. The obstacles placed in the race course path numbered1, 2, 3, 4 a, 4 b, 5, 6, 7 a, 7 b, 8, 9 and 10. Live processing ofcourse data and further analysis of data can be calculated using timingdeparture, lap times/time stamps, arrival timing which is calculatedautomatic using data collected through sensor cells placed on eachobstacle or data collected via a manual operator. Events recorded byobstacles such as crossed, foul, another penalty is calculated automaticor manual via an operator. In the live video streaming, final penaltiesand final time can be inserted either in an automatic or manual mode.

In a preferred embodiment, automated real-time live video streaming inTV or screen arena can display metro comparison, percentage of ridersout of time, percentage of riders without penalties/penalties with 4pts/disposal or abandonment, percentage of faults by obstacles andanalysis of the most knocked obstacles. The display device shows variousdata parameters such as time interval in seconds between the obstaclesof the route, time difference between the current leader and the rideron the track, at each obstacle and detection of overcome obstacles.

In one embodiment, the automated real-time live video streaming systemis configured with appropriate software to utilize the data collected bythe integrated sensing system as a user input command for executingvarious functions of the automated live video streaming system. Forexample, displaying the intermediate times at the moment of passing eachobstacle by a rider in a table format or in the form of map. Also thedisplay device shows the number of horses still to go and automaticcalculation of the ranking compared to the type of event/class andautomatic comparison of the current leader with track rider.

The data collected by the sensor or retro reflector are stored in thecloud and it comprises of rider, horse, and obstacles. In the metro TVdisplay/video streams, the data displayed can be starting signal andautomatic arrival, final time, intermediate times by obstacles, visualand automatic calculation of the time difference jumper track incomparison with the current leader of the race on each hurdle crossedthe path, visual indication if the rider on the track is ahead or behindthe current leader (showing by red or green dot. For example, when therider arrives late, it shows red color, when he is ahead of others, itis green and if current leader and rider are same, then it shows gray.This also automatically calculates the interval between two obstaclesand does comparison with the current leader. Dynamic spacing “round” isdisplayed on the timeline when the rider crossed an obstacle along withthe obstacle height. There are two scenarios for displaying the penaltywherein in one case, the pellets indicate if the rider is behind orahead of the leader and the other case, the pellets indicate either: ifthe rider is late or early or if there was a penalty or not. The systemalso displays the following data such as percentage of riders outsidethe time allowed without penalty or with penalties (4 pts, 8 pts, etc.),indication of the reference time, indication of penalties, indication ofthe name of the horse, the rider, the race number and nationality of therider. The software also shows the three most knocked obstacles in apercentage value on the map and the grouped statistics such as % of menand women, % geldings/stallions/mares and % of the type of faultobstacles oxer/vertical.

The tracking system will allow to automate data collection, such asintermediate time and type of penalties (pool down, refuse and otherpenalties). It also provides an ability to do a superposition of tworiders automatically based on the video stream by tracking each riders.

The proposed invention is automated real-time live video streamingsoftware that captures images in several different angles via camerasinstalled all around and above for rides the training paddock. With thissoftware tool, coaches and riders can perform simple editing and sharingeasily training sessions on various applications but not limited toInternet.

The preferred embodiment discloses an automated video streaming softwarewith coaching capabilities that defines a set of tools for managementtrainings of a coach or jumper and it comprises collaborative calendarand system annotations. The rider will be able to take notes while thecoach will draw and annotate directly on the video captures to explain avisual way the details of training and illustrate the advice given. Thistool can be used by a remote application wherein the user can watchvideos of training and record voice memo and the trainee will then havedetails about training feedback.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to selected embodiments thereof; it will be readilyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes inform and details may be made therein without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

1. A system comprising: a camera located at a first geographicallocation, the camera configured and/or programmed to capture real-timevideo of a first moving target and a second moving target and produce areal-time video stream; a timer configured and/or programmed to providetiming data; a sensor and/or reflector located at a second geographicallocation, the sensor and/or reflector configured and/or programmed toautomatically detect the first moving target and the second movingtarget to produce detection data; a receiver configured and/orprogrammed to receive, in real-time, the real-time video stream, thedetection data, and timing data; a computer configured and/or programmedto: perform an analysis of the detection data and the timing data toproduce statistical data, produce data for displaying a video of thefirst moving target and the second moving target and the statisticaldata, wherein the first geographical location being a separate anddifferent location than the second geographical location.
 2. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the computer is further configured and/orprogrammed to perform the analysis of the first video stream, thedetection data, and the timing data to produce said statistical data. 3.A method comprising: capturing, at a first geographical location,real-time video of a first moving target and a second moving target andproduce a real-time video stream; automatically detecting, at a secondgeographical location, the first moving target and the second movingtarget and producing detection data; receiving, in real-time, thereal-time video stream, the detection data, and timing data; performingan analysis of the detection data and the timing data to producestatistical data; producing data for displaying a video of the firstmoving target and the second moving target and the statistical data,wherein the first geographical location being a separate and differentlocation than the second geographical location.
 4. The method accordingto claim 3, wherein performing said analysis of the first video stream,the detection data, and the timing data to produce said statisticaldata.